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Colombia

Solo Female Travel in Colombia

Located in the northwest of South America, Colombia is a mesmerizing blend of vibrant culture, architectural grandeur, immense biodiversity, and striking landscapes. Known for its vast coffee plantations that produce some of the finest brews in the world, it also presents a rich cultural tapestry of music and dance, particularly Salsa. Colombian emerald mines, believed to produce the highest quality gems in the world, add a sparkling allure to its reputation. Its history echoes through colonial structures, intriguing archaeological sites as the Lost City of Teyuna, and pre-Hispanic cultures evident in the Gold Museum. For nature lovers, the Amazon rainforest, pristine beaches of Cartagena, snow-capped Andean peaks, and the unique flora and fauna promise an unforgettable encounter with Mother Nature.

Colombia is currently ranked #11 best country for solo female travellers. Check full ranking.

Travel rating

4.7 /5

Based on 28 experiences

3.9 /5

Based on our research

4.2 /5

Based on safety reports

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Is Colombia good for solo travel?

Safety:Safe

Colombia offers a rich cultural experience with its vibrant cities, charming towns, and beautiful landscapes. However, safety can vary greatly depending on the region. While it's not uncommon for solo female travelers to journey safely through Colombia, it's important to be cautious. Certain areas in large cities are not advisable to visit, especially at night. Also, common issues like pickpocketing and theft can occur. Always stay alert and aware of your surroundings, avoid displaying flashy valuables, and use trusted transportation. Don't hesitate to ask locals about the safety of certain areas.

Transport:Moderate

Navigating Colombia can be moderate. The infrastructure is good in most parts of the country and in major cities like Bogota and Medellin. However, in remote areas and small towns, the road conditions can be less than ideal and public transportation may be limited or infrequent. The language barrier may also present challenges if you don't speak Spanish. However, with good planning and caution, you should be able to travel safely and conveniently.

Things to do:Fascinating

Colombia is a vibrant destination that never disappoints. Its rich heritage offers a plethora of activities for any solo traveler. From trekking in the Cocora Valley, diving in the Caribbean Sea, to steeping yourself in history in the walled city of Cartagena or exploring the pre-Columbian artifacts in the Gold Museum of Bogota, there is an abundance of things to do. The street art in Bogota is second to none, Medellin's transformation is an inspiring story, and the coffee region will treat you to some of the best coffee in the world. The interactions with friendly locals, along with the country's unique diversity in culture, landscapes, and cuisines, make it a must-visit for any solo female traveler.

Food:Above average

Colombian culinary scene provides a good diversity of foods that perfectly blend indigenous Latin American, Spanish, and African cuisines. The country offers a wide range of fruits and vegetables as well as dishes with unique flavors and textures. From delicious empanadas, arepas and tamales, to the bandeja paisa and ajiaco soup, you'll find a lot to enjoy. There's a rich street food culture too. However, vegetarian options might be a bit limited, hence a perfect score isn't granted.

Budget:Affordable

Colombia is known as a budget-friendly destination. Accommodations, meals, and activities generally cost less than in North America or Western Europe. You can find budget hostels for under $10 a night and meals at local shops for a few dollars. Exploring the cities, enjoying the beaches, and hiking in the natural parks can be done for little to no cost. However, costs might increase if you opt for more luxurious accommodations or activities.

Is Colombia worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 28 experiences

Things to do

4.8/5

Safety

4.2/5

Food

4.7/5

Budget-friendly

4.1/5

Eva

United Kingdom

Solo travel experience

Colombia was incredible! Arrived in the port of Capurgana after taking the boat from Panama. Itinerary: Capurgana - Rincon del Mar* (bioluminescence) - Cartegana - Minca - Tayrona (hiking) - Rio Hostel (party) - Palomino - Riohacha - Punta Gallinas* (desert tour) - San Gil (bungee jump) - Salento (palm trees) - Medellín (party) - Guatape (lake view) - Cali* (dancingg) - Juanchaco (whale watching) - Tatcoa desert* (mars) - Bogota “*” is my favourites Colombia has so much to offer you can spend an easy 2 months here if not 6! I found transport very easy to navigate, I only used buses to get around. We took some overnight buses which helped with the long journeys. So many people to meet and talk to, you often end up meet the same faces in different areas. Don’t miss out on some of the best places to go (eg Cali) as they are often the areas with the most to offer.

Posted: July 10, 2024

Things to do: 5/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 1/5Safety: 4/5

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Claire (32)

France

Solo travel experience

Colombia is an incredible country. People always smile and dance. The food is very good and the sun so good too. I spend 2 months traveling all around colombia and Cali was my favorite city. Salsa is everywhere.

Posted: April 29, 2024Experienced: December, 2022

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 4/5

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Mel

Canada

Solo travel experience

Travelled solo with a tour group and did the Ef ultimate break tour! Highly recommend it’s 10 days in Bogotá, Medellin, cartengaga. You get a taste of everything that place has to offer like tejo in Bogotá, nightlife in Medellin and beaches in cartenaga. I felt overall very safe and even walked around in the mornings to get coffee alone

Posted: April 16, 2024

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 4/5

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Bárbara

Brazil

Solo travel experience

I remember going with my father and spend some days there over the city called Medellin. It was nice and I really enjoyed the activities there. I wish I could have stayed longer and had more time to enjoy everything but I had to go back to Brazil because of my studies. I hope to come back to Colombia soon!!

Posted: February 26, 2024

Things to do: 4/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 3/5

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Solo travel experience

Colombia was my dream country. I spent 3 weeks solo there and was able to visit Cartagena, Santa Marta, Salento, and Medellin. I felt safe and was able to do all the things I wanted to do when visiting Colombia. I met so many amazing people and made memories of a lifetime.

Posted: February 11, 2024

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

I solo traveled to Colombia for 5 weeks in March last year but ended up doing most of the trip with another girl and we never really felt unsafe and had such an incredible time.

Posted: February 8, 2024

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

Colombia is such an amazing country with a beautiful, diverse climate, friendly people, and delicious food. I spent 12 days there alone and never felt unsafe as a woman travelling alone. I encourage everyone to go there. My itinerary: Bogota - 1 day, El Cocuy National Park - 4 days, trekking Salento - 3 days, Medellin - 3 days with a one-day trip to Guatapé.

Posted: December 26, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

I traveled to Colombia as a solo traveler who does not speak Spanish. It was safe, but I only stayed in tourist areas. I used Uber everywhere, it was cheap for short trips around the city. I visited Medellin and Cartagena. Cartagena is more fun and beautiful. Overall, it was a good experience, but I didn't like that too many street vendors harassed me wherever I went.

Posted: November 7, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5

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Solo travel experience

I visited Medellín, Cartagena, and Barranquilla. I flew from Cancún to Medellín, then from Medellín to Cartagena, then from Cartagena to Barranquilla, and finally, from Barranquilla I returned home. As for transportation, I used airplanes for all my trips. I paid for almost everything with a card, and the currency exchange rate was favorable. In Medellín, I stayed in Provenza and honestly, I found a super cheap Airbnb there. I visited Guatape, it's beautiful there and one should not miss this place. The food is delicious, especially the cheese and chocolate. I once returned at 4 in the morning and honestly, I felt safe there. In Cartagena, I stayed in Morros City, where I had a spectacular view. Everything was close to me, except for the city center, which was not too far, but I preferred to use a taxi or Uber. You can use Uber without any issues, it's very cheap, as are taxis, but you should ask how much all the services will cost. As for safety in Cartagena, you should be more careful, especially at night, and avoid walks in the early morning hours, that's all.

Posted: September 19, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 4/5

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Solo travel experience

I spent 14 days in Colombia, having a very low budget. It was my first time on a plane, and I visited Santa Marta and Cartagena, where I felt very safe. I met nice and helpful people along the way. I was quite scared, but now I feel that I can handle anything. I highly recommend Parque Tayrona if you love nature. It's a real paradise.

Posted: September 4, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Meet locals in Colombia

Meet local women in Colombia who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.

Clara

About Me

Hola, me llamo Clara, tengo 30 años, soy abogada y me gusta viajar y conocer lugares y personas increíbles. Cada vez que puedo aprovecho para irme de viaje, retiro o descanso en mi país o fuera de él, a veces con el trabajo no es muy fácil, pero desde pandemia trabajo remoto y ha sido para mi la mejor oportunidad para viajar. Soy muy organizada, amigable y me gusta reír mucho. Amo bailar, qué mas puedo decir, lo llevo en la sangre, me encanta escuchar música pero sobre todo bailarla, así que si te interesan algunos pasos de baile, te puedo enseñar. Me encanta la naturaleza, estar al aire libre, respirar, admirar, caminar, correr, nadar, sentir como la naturaleza me abraza. También me gusta ver películas, hacer yoga y actividades manuales como artesanía. -- Hi, My name is Clara, I´m 30 years old, I am a lawyer and I like to travel and enjoy incredible places and meet beautiful people. Every time I can I take the opportunity to go on a trip, retreat or rest in my country or abroad, sometimes with work it is not very easy, but since the pandemic I have been working remotely and it has been the best opportunity for me to travel. I´m very organized, friendly and I like to laugh a lot. I love dancing, what else can I say, it's in my blood, I love listening to music, but above all dancing so, if you are interested in some dance steps, I can teach you. I love nature, being outdoors, breathing, admiring, walking, running, swimming, feeling how nature embraces me. I also like watching movies, doing yoga and manual activities like handicraft.

Speaking

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Jessica

About Me

Hi! I am a scientist from America and I love seeing new cities.

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Colombia

Stay with local women in Colombia who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Couch surfing is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.

Clara

Ibague

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Speaking

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Amy

Bucaramanga

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hello, My name is Amy and I'm interested in animals, business, culture, cinema, dancing, digital nomad, food & cuisine, events & social, hiking, history, live music, nature, nightlife, running, sightseeing, swimming, trekking, technology and solo travel